"We've had a real increase in the number of residential burglaries on the west side, particularly in a specific area along Raymond road," said West District Capt. Victor Wahl.

Officers said the robberies happened sometime in afternoon or early evening hours, in daylight. In some instances, residents were in their homes when the break-ins occurred.

The most recent incident happened on the 5800 block of Dorsett Drive. MPD officials said the burglars would knock on doors or ring door bells and then break in through the back door if no one answered the door.

"They're targeting doors that are unlocked and they're also breaking into doors. They are actually physically forcing their way into homes," said Officer Patricia Drury.

The news had some in the neighborhood on edge. Police were asking that residents keep an eye on one another after protecting themselves.

"My wife thinks about it more than I do," said Joshua Ludke, who teaches at the Orchardridge Elementary and lives in the area. "We definitely keep the alarm set and lock the doors."

"People know their neighborhoods, they know what's normal. So if somebody's walking around door to door, if they see people walking through backyards we would like a call," Drury said.

Officers also said residents can protect themselves and their homes by leaving lights or electronics on when they leave, checking in on neighbors and keeping their shrubs trimmed so neighbors can see into their homes when they aren't home.

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